President John Dramani Mahama has approved the release of 998 prisoners nationwide, exercising his constitutional prerogative of mercy in line with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision followed recommendations by the Prisons Service Council, in consultation with the Council of State. Out of 1,014 inmates presented for consideration, 998 were granted amnesty, while the remaining were not approved.
Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the announcement in an official statement, describing it as part of government’s efforts to decongest prisons and provide deserving inmates with a second chance at reintegration into society.
Amnesty exercises are often granted to inmates who have shown good conduct, those who have served a substantial portion of their sentences, or prisoners with health-related challenges. The initiative is expected to ease the heavy burden on Ghana’s overcrowded correctional facilities, which currently house far more inmates than their intended capacity.
This latest amnesty adds to a series of similar interventions made under President Mahama’s administration, reflecting a broader effort to balance justice with compassion. The government has also pledged to continue supporting reforms within the prison system to promote rehabilitation, rather than purely punishment.
Legal experts note that such amnesty decisions are carefully vetted to ensure that beneficiaries do not pose a threat to public safety. The Prisons Service is expected to supervise the release process in the coming days.
